China will reportedly send a delegation of high-ranking officials to pay respects at the funeral service for late former President Kim Dae-jung on Sunday.

The Chinese government began related discussions on Thursday morning.

Current Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Yang Jieche or the head of the international department of China’s Communist Party, Wang Jiarui, are considered the most likely selections for delegation chief.

Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China holds Kim in an especially high regard, specifically for his contributions to improving relations between Seoul and Beijing.